When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 157

"I get it. Everyone has things in their past they'd rather not talk about. If you don't want me to know, I won't ask." Nelly stepped right in front of Jonah, meeting his gaze. She pressed her lips together for a moment, then reached up and gently straightened his collar.

"But Nancy is our partner right now. It won't work if things are so tense between you two. If there's something going on, wouldn't it be better to talk it out sooner rather than later?" Her eyes were clear and sincere, her voice soft and soothing, like she was trying to comfort a child.

Jonah actually felt a little awkward. He pressed his hand to his chest and looked away, avoiding her touch.

"Can I ask you for a favor?" Jonah kept his head down, his voice low and careful. It sounded like this was hard for him to say.

Nelly didn't hesitate. "Of course. If I can help, I will."

He nodded. "You know I'm not exactly popular in the Watson family. If you ever hear anything bad about me... just, don't believe it."

"Okay." Nelly agreed right away, not even thinking twice.

So that was it. Jonah was worried Nancy might talk about him behind his back. Nelly gave him a reassuring smile and patted his arm before walking away. Even though she agreed so easily, Jonah looked even more troubled.

When Nelly got back, Nancy was waiting for her.

"Jonah could totally make it big in showbiz, don't you think?" Nancy tossed out the comment, catching Nelly off guard for a second. But Nelly got what she meant. Another dig at Jonah.

Nelly pretended not to notice. "Yeah, he's definitely handsome."

"It's not just his looks," Nancy said, stepping closer. "He's a great actor too."

She stared at Nelly, seeing right through her act. "Aren't you curious why I can't stand him?"

"Some things are better left in the past. I don't need to know what people don't want to share," Nelly said, keeping her tone calm and her smile easy.

Nancy smiled too, but there was a storm brewing in her eyes, a resentment that burned bright. Nelly saw it, but didn't react.

"Nelly, I'm only warning you because we're working together. Jonah isn't who you think he is. He'll do anything to get what he wants. He'd sell out anyone, even himself, if it meant getting ahead."

"Maybe it feels like he's being good to you. But trust me, it's just an act. Because..." Nancy leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper, "I used to trust him, just like you."

With that, Nancy gave Nelly's hair a gentle pat and walked away.

Selina hadn't been in touch with Hank for ages, and he was using a fake identity now. But they were still father and daughter. It was only a matter of time before the police connected Selina.

Instead of just waiting around, Sheila decided to act. With Hank locked up and nobody allowed to see him, she thought of the Watson family. In Westhaven, if the Watsons couldn't pull strings, nobody could.

She reached out to Carlos. After some effort, she managed to get Selina a visit with Hank. It wasn't much, just a supervised meeting, but Sheila was willing to take the risk. She was betting that Hank still felt something for his daughter. If he could kill for her, then taking the blame alone shouldn't be too hard.

The slap finally snapped Selina out of it. Shaking, she whispered, "He said... he won't drag me down with him... He..."

"What else did he say?" Sheila's eyes lit up. She grabbed Selina's hands. "Selina, don't be scared. From now on, we're in this together. Whatever you need, I'll help you. Just like always."

Selina's lips quivered. She hugged Sheila tightly. "He said... he wants me to visit him on holidays. To remember him."

Sheila's heart twisted, but then she forced herself to relax. She stroked Selina's hair, gentle and comforting, like calming a frightened kitten.

Selina was terrified. She'd followed Sheila's instructions every step of the way. She thought Sheila just wanted Hank to scare Nelly a little. She never expected things to get this out of control. Even though nobody got hurt, the charges against Hank were serious.